First! Once again, the New York Film Critics Circle made filmmakers and studios sweat to get their films screened in time as they position themselves to be the first (official) word on the awards race and augur of things to come ... at least until the National Board Of Review weighs in tomorrow. But for now, it looks like David O. Russell's "American Hustle" is the one to beat over the next couple of months.

First! Once again, the New York Film Critics Circle made filmmakers and studios sweat to get their films screened in time as they position themselves to be the first (official) word on the awards race and augur of things to come ... at least until the National Board Of Review weighs in tomorrow. But for now, it looks like David O. Russell's "American Hustle" is the one to beat over the next couple of months.

The ensemble pic took home Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress, confirming early buzz that Jennifer Lawrence is a firecracker in the flick. And though Best Director went to Steve McQueen for "12 Years a Slave," Best Film was—you guessed it—"American Hustle."

Meanwhile, a win for Robert Redford for "All Is Lost" essentially ensures he's getting into the final five for Best Actor come Oscar time, and if there was any doubt that Cate Blanchett is one to watch, that will be quelled here as she takes Best Actress. The lone win for Best Cinematography for "Inside Llewyn Davis" could spell a repeat of "True Grit" for the Coens—lots of love, little in the way of actual prizes.

As for Martin Scorsese and his highly anticipated "The Wolf of Wall Street"? It's a total no-show here, though with the film entered as a comedy at the Golden Globes, perhaps this "Goodfellas"-lite isn't quite the awards material some might have thought. Same goes for Spike Jonze's "Her." But that said, it's still a long road ahead and there is a vast difference in votes cast by critics drinking lattes around a conference table and Academy voters, so don't take anything as definitive just yet.

Much to talk about, so add your thoughts to the comments section. Full list of winners below.

The 2013 New York Film Critics’ Circle Award Winners:

Best Film:"American Hustle"

Best Director:Steve McQueen, "12 Years a Slave"

Best Screenplay:Eric Singer & David O. Russell, "American Hustle"

Best Actress:Cate Blanchett, "Blue Jasmine"

Best Actor:Robert Redford, "All Is Lost"

Best Supporting Actress:Jennifer Lawrence, "American Hustle"

Best Supporting Actor:Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club"

Best Cinematography:Bruno Delbonnel, "Inside Llewyn Davis"

Best Non-fiction Film:"Stories We Tell," directed by Sarah Polley

Best Foreign Language Film:"Blue is the Warmest Color," directed by Abdellatif Kechiche